Shisha, public smoking areas in Dubai open today

Our Correspondent

Dubai Municipality has announced that shisha and smoking areas in public places in Dubai will be reopened from July 18 until further notice, subject to their adherence to precautionary measures.
The municipality tweeted that regular inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance.
The shisha clubs had been closed in March by the Dubai Municipality and Dubai Economic Department to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The municipality circular lists 34 regulations and safety protocols for the reopening of shisha cafes. Some of them are:
– Staff should wear masks at all times;
– Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and common areas at least once every hour and shared objects each time they are used (handrails, slides, tubes, lockers, counters, toilets, etc.);
– If anyone of the staff was confirmed COVID-positive by an accredited test facility, they should not return to work unless they are granted a medical certificate endorsed by Dubai Health Authority (DHA);
– Shisha staff must adhere to strict hand washing routine before and after service;
– All staff and guests/ trainers/ visitors must undergo temperature screening before entering the cafe, anyone with temperature more than 37.5 will not be allowed to enter;
– The facility must dedicate an isolation room and set procedures to handle suspect/ confirmed cases as well as the disinfection procedures as per DHA/ DM guidelines
– Only disposable shisha hoses must be used;
– Clean and disinfect reusable shisha parts including tongs before and after each client;
– Wash and disinfect shisha properly and change its water after each client;
– Ensure 4.5 sq.m per person inside the smoking room;
– No social gatherings or parties allowed; and
– Groups of five are not allowed at the smoking area